A recent initiative aims to develop a national internet structure that could enhance cybersecurity as digital threats increasingly affect daily life in America.
InfraCo, a 501(c)4 nonprofit, is set to discuss the $125 billion Digital Security and Information Superhighway Act with the Department of Transportation next week. This proposed legislation seeks to establish a publicly managed fiber optic internet system within the U.S. According to InfraCo, this infrastructure could bolster the nation’s cybersecurity and reduce vulnerability to foreign cyber threats.
“Everything nowadays is connected to the public internet,” said Vince Aragona, founder of Neo Network Development LLC, the parent organization of InfraCo. “With around 5.6 billion people online globally, an attacker could strike from virtually anywhere.”
He elaborated that the “TDS-ISA” [Trump Digital Security and Information Superhighway Act] is a large-scale concept requiring collaboration among multiple stakeholders. It aims to boost national security and protect vital infrastructure against cyber threats. “Given the ongoing dangers, it’s crucial that we strengthen governance and military capabilities,” Aragona remarked.
The project is expected to bring together various U.S. government branches in a concerted effort for national enhancement.
“We aim to implement this under President Trump’s guidance across several departments, creating a ‘whole-of-government’ approach,” Aragona explained. The plan consists of utilizing taxpayer dollars and private investments to set this all in motion.
The idea is to fortify America’s digital framework by placing it within a closed network, making it less accessible to outside attacks. Aragona expressed that this initiative could serve as a substitute for the public internet, which he sees as a vulnerability from a security standpoint.
InfraCo envisions a system of pipelines and fiber optic infrastructure along the interstate highway network, utilizing “dark fibers”—inactive cables—that can be activated by public or private entities when needed.
Farm It Out “Can’t”
In contrast, experts note that other countries, like China, have advanced significantly in developing robust fiber optic systems.
A report highlighted that China completed a 2,000-kilometer fiber communications backbone in 2017, later expanding it to 10,000 kilometers across numerous regions. “China has built its secure internet and fiber optic systems over decades,” remarked Bradford Higgins, a former State Department official. He emphasized the need for government oversight rather than relying solely on the private sector.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence acknowledged that the U.S. remains at risk from foreign cyber adversaries.
Recent intelligence noted a Chinese-backed attack affecting various U.S. critical infrastructure entities. Additionally, Iranian-linked cyber actions aimed at U.S. water systems were reported in late 2023. Higgins pointed out that failure to address these vulnerabilities could leave the U.S. vulnerable during conflicts.
The project seeks to install protective conduits for fiber optic cables, with extensive infrastructure featuring thousands of access points along its route.
Targeting a public-private partnership, InfraCo wants to work closely with key government entities for funding and operational structure. Responses from the Department of Transportation and others were not available upon inquiry.
Terry Kelly, a former U.S. Army officer, noted that this initiative could enhance military capabilities. Reliable communications are essential for effective military operations, especially given the rising importance of AI in data processing.
Experts indicated that while the proposal is a step in the right direction for securing governmental data, challenges remain in effectively managing the system. Thayer mentioned that criminal activity usually occurs through human error rather than network vulnerabilities.
Aragona’s management plan seems reminiscent of the Federal Reserve’s structure, involving public-private collaboration. He emphasized that the initiative aims not only to serve government needs but also to foster self-sufficiency.
Thayer cautioned that while the framework could technically work, foreign involvement in the construction would undermine its security.
Higgins asserted that there might be ways to execute this initiative without burdening taxpayers, focusing instead on leveraging revenue from industry stakeholders.
